Weekend Fun

After going to bed at 11:30 last night, I slept until 7 a.m. today. I am aware that this isn't exciting or meaningful to anyone except myself; nevertheless, I am thrilled because it means I just might finally be over jet lag, which has been unusually horrible to me.

The week since we left Springfield has been fairly eventful:

Thursday we landed in Chennai, came to stay with some wonderful friends, and relished all the South Indian food we've missed so much.  We also learned that it's not the wisest decision to go out in public as a married couple when both individuals are jet lagged, sleep deprived, and totally unfamiliar with their geographical and language surroundings!

Friday was better, as we got to rest and just hang out.  Chennai is on the coast (which may have made an impact in me wanting to live here) so we went to the beach to people-watch and soak in the sunshine.  The waves are wonderfully huge, and I really hope I get a boogie board for Christmas, even though Liban says I absolutely will not.  Maybe if I keep mentioning it, he'll give in. . . . Someone also mentioned a guy that gives surfing lessons here, so even though my gross coordination is minimal, maybe I'll get to check "attempt to learn to surf" off my bucket list.

Saturday, we woke up bright and early to drive out of the city a ways to a gorgeous mountain in Andhra Pradesh (the state I had lived in previously).  We were with our friends' church group, so there were 20-30 of us who hiked up the mountain to a waterfall, where we got to swim and cool off.  It was a good way to get to meet more people as well as hang out with the friends I haven't seen in 2+ years.  I loved being in Andhra again, and Liban and I were both excited to learn that such cool nature spots exist not far from the crowded hectic city.

One of our neighbors at the new apartment.
Outside, thankfully.

Yesterday after church, we went to see our apartment that we'll be renting come November. It's a really spacious place, and I know I'll feel at home there immediately.  The neighborhood is really peaceful, and I don't think we heard a single car honk while we walked around the streets.  Actually, we didn't really even see many cars there, leading Liban to tell me I probably could have a bicycle after all. (He's been convinced for months that I will die in Indian traffic if operating any mode of transportation other than pedestrianism). Our apartment complex also has a swimming pool and even a playground--all of which make me even more ready to start the adoption process and bring our little girl home. 

To end our weekend, we joined our friends in going to a big, blingy Indian wedding.  It was a Muslim wedding, so during the ceremony, women sat on one side and men on the other.  I didn't mind because the Indian women have prettier, blingy-er clothes, and I was easily fascinated by all the rhinestone patterns and colors.  And, because  India, a curtain divided the reception room so that vegetarians sat on one side and non-veggies on the other.  Oh, and they had bulky bouncers at the doors to the reception, which was a first for me at a wedding.

Can you see the anticipation?

Tomorrow we leave for Hyderabad and then begin our vacation!